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PROGRAM - ENCONTRO DAS COMUNIDADES MACAENSES “MACAU 2007” 25th November (Sunday) 18H00 – Welcome reception at the Portuguese School of Macau. – Prize giving ceremony to the winners of the logo contest for the Confraria da Gastronomia Macaense. – Opening ceremony of the exhibition of the works presented by the participants in the logo contest for the Confraria da Gastronomia Macaense. 26th November (Monday) 18H00 – Opening Ceremony of the Encontro, at the Roman Amphitheatre of the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf. 19H30 – Dinner party offered by the Chief Executive, at the Convention & Exhibition Centre of the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, with varieties show performed by famous artists from Canton. 27th November (Tuesday) Program for the members of the Social Boards of the M.C.C.: 09H00 – Meeting of the Macanese Communities Council (with election of the Social Boards) at the MCC Clubhouse. 13H00 – Lunch for the members of the Social Boards of MCC. 14H30 – Meeting of the Standing Committee. ‑‑‑ / ‑‑‑ Program for the other participants of the Encontro: 10H00 – 15H00: Sightseeing and visit to the Monuments of the Cultural Heritage of Macau, with lunch at the place to be announced ‑‑‑ / ‑‑‑ 16H00 – Photo session at the Ruins of St. Paul, with the presence of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture. 17H00 – Opening ceremony of the exposition of works presented to the candidacy of the Intangible Heritage of Guandong Province. 19H00 – Dinner party offered by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture at the Macau Dome. 28th November (Wednesday) 10H30 – Swear in ceremony of the Social Boards of the Confraria da Gastronomia Macaense, at D. Pedro V Theater. – Conference on the Gastronomy Culture. Speakers: 1. Guest speaker from Macau 2. Guest speaker from Macau 3. Guest speaker from Portugal 4. Guest speaker from China 13H00 – Lunch for the participants of the Conference at the Clube de Macau. 16H00 – Social Gathering for Macanese Gastronomy and Culture at the Praça do Tap Seak. – Food stalls of Macanese cuisine and varieties shows. 29th November (Thursday) Youth Day (See Program for the Youth) 20H30 – “Patuá” show performed by the group “Doci Papiaçam di Macau”, at the Auditorium of the Macau Tower. 30th November (Friday) ( Patuá Day) 09H00 – Conference and debate on the Program of the UNESCO Universal Intangible Heritage, at the Macau University. Speakers: 1. Coordinator of the Commission for the Candidacy of the Fado 2. Coordinator of the Commission for the Candidacy of the Canton Opera 3. Guest speaker from Macau 4. Guest speaker from Macau 5. Guest speaker from Macau 13H00 – Lunch for the participants of the Conference. Social Evening (Several Associations) 14H00 – Majong Contest, organized jointly by Associação dos Macaenses and APOMAC, at the Convention Centre of the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf. (The contest should terminate by 19 hours) 19H30 – Dinner, with prize giving for the winners of the Majong Contest. Recites in “Patuá” and music and songs will be performed by local groups and from the diaspora. 1st December (Suturday) Festa de Nossa Senhora Padroeira das Comunidades Macaenses 09H30 – Laying of wreaths of flowers at the Monument for the Macanese Communities 11H30 – Mass and Te‑Deum at the Cathedral of Macau 18H00 – Reception at the Residence of the Consul General of Portugal in Macau, for the delegations of the Casas de Macau and local Associations. 20H00 – Concert by the “Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra” at S. Domingos Church. 2nd December (Sunday) 18H00 – Closing Dinner Party of the Encontro “MACAU 2007”, at the Grand Ballroom of the Venetian Resort at Cotai, with the performance of varieties show by local artist and from the diaspora. – Launching of books (The above program details provided courtesy of Maria Roliz, President, Lusitano Club of California - Ed.) ---o0o---
ENCONTRO DAS COMUNIDADES MACAENSES “MACAU 2007” PROGRAMME FOR THE YOUTH 28th November (Wednesday) 10H30 – Macanese Gastronomy Association Members of the Board Swearing‑in Ceremony, at Teatro D. Pedro V. – Conference about the Culture of the Gastronomy Speakers: 1. Guest from Macau 2. Guest from Macau 3. Guest from Portugal 4. Guest from China 13H00 – Lunch at Clube de Macau for participants of the Conference 15H00 – Meeting at the Provisional Headquarters of the Macanese Community Council, with the following agenda: 1 – Introduction; 2 – Orgnization of an “Encontro da Juventude Macaense” to be held in 2009; 3 – Other matters. 16H00 – Gastronomy Party and Macanese Culture at Praça do Tap Seak 29th November (Thursday) 10H00 – Visit at the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) · Introduction · Video · Photograph and gift · Campus tour and tour at the University Hospital 12H00 – Visit at the Instituto de Formação Turística (IFT) · Introduction · Video · Campus Tour 13H30 – Lunch at Clube de Riquexo. 15H00 – Site Visit at the Ponte N o 16 20H30 – Patuá show presented by the group Doci Papiaçam di Macau, at the auditorium of the Macau Tower 30th November (Friday) 09H00 – Conference and discussion about UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage Programme, at University of Macau. Speakers: 1. Coordinator of the Fado Candidacy Commission 2. Coordinator of the Canton Opera Candidacy Commission 3. Guest of Macau 4. Guest of Macau 5. Guest of Macau 13H00 – Lunch at Portas do Sol Restaurante, Lisboa Hotel, for participants of the conference. 15H00 – Visit at the University of Macau 17H00 – Visit at the Venetian Macau 19H30 – Gathering Dinner at the Roman Amphitheatre of Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, with prizes giving for the winners of Mah‑jong Contest. Recites in “Patuá” and music and songs will be performed by local groups and from the diaspora 1th December (saturday) 20H00 – Concert by the Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra at S. Domingos Church. Note: for other days will follow the programme of Encontro (The above program details provided courtesy of Maria Roliz, President, Lusitano Club of California - Ed.) ---o0o---
Macanese of Enormous Importance to Macau Social Harmony As reported in the Journal Tribuna de Macau of September 10, 2007, Subdirector Xu Zhe of the Gabinete de Ligação do Governo Central in the Região Administrativa Especial de Macau (RAEM) says the Central Government of the People’s Republic of China views with pleasure the return to Macau of its sons of Portuguese origin.
Subdirector Xu Zhe was speaking during a visit to Casa de Macau in Lisbon. He emphasized that the Central Government recognizes the historic contributions of the Macau-born Portuguese community, which makes it possible today for the RAEM to appreciate that reality so special, and which finds it in a phase of great economic growth. “Without them,” he said, “Macau would never have existed as we know it today.” Thanking Casa de Macau for the warm reception it extended to him, Xu Zhe, in fluent Cantonese, said the Macanese community, whether in Macau or abroad, is of enormous importance to the social harmony of the RAEM. The People’s Republic of China, he said, would like to see more returning natives of Portuguese provenience in Macau since, in his opinion, their roots and their birthplace are in Macau, by which it is justified that they come to contribute to the new phase of development of their motherland. ---o0o---
Macaenses Switch to Chinese Nationality In a move that probably comes as a surprise to most Macaenses of the diaspora, three notable Macanese residents of Macau have opted to adopt Chinese nationality, and to formally register themselves in the Electoral Committee which, in January of the coming year, elects the twelve representatives of Macau to the Assembleia Nacional Popular in China. The three are Carlos Marreiros, an architect, António José de Freitas of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, and António Dias Azevedo, an attorney at law. Carlos Marreiros, a congenial friend of Bay Area Macaenses, is the most recognizable of the trio, having been one of the speakers at a Casa de Macau USA conference held a few years ago at the University of California in Berkeley, They hope to serve Macau expressing their opinions and suggestions in conjunction with the Central Government of China. Interviewed by the Chinese newspaper Ou Mun, Carlos Marreiros, who explained that he always subscribed to the principle “One Country, Two Systems” and to the course Macau was taking, said that he had pondered for many years becoming a Chinese citizen. More relevant than changing his nationality, Marreiros said, is serving Macau and contributing to its development. He added that for many generations his family lived in Macau and studied Chinese culture and were increasingly astonished by its accomplishments. He would vote, he said, on that which in the long term best contributed to the development of Macau and the young generations disposed to serving the RAEM. Another of the distinguished members of the Macaense community in Macau, Miguel de Senna Fernandes, not following in the footsteps of Marreiros, said the fact of being Macaense obliges him to participate actively in questions respecting Macau, but the decision to change to Chinese nationality hinged on personal factors and had nothing to do with the different contributions which he could make to the development of the motherland. José Pereira Coutinho, a deputy in the Assembleia Legislativa de Macau and a permanent member of the Conselho das Comunidades Portugueses (CCP), also will not register for the Electoral Committee saying that he planned to serve out the remainder of his term with the CCP. He said he hopes to be able to be of service to the citizens of Macau “in different format and methods.” Bay Area Macaense will remember Coutinho’s visit to California a few years ago when he joined in heading the parade celebrating Dia de Portugal in San Jose. (We are grateful to the ATFPM of Macau for their report from which the above was excerpted – Ed.) ---o0o---
O Dia da Cidade de Macau
In the last official
commemoration of Dia da Cidade de Macau (City of Macau Day), which took
place in 1999 when Macau was still under Portuguese administration,
Henrique Senna Fernandes was awarded the Cidadão Emérito (Citizen
Emeritus) medal by Leal Senado. Now, eight years later, coincidentally,
it is one of his sons, Miguel Senna Fernandes, who is promoting the
reactivation of the commemorative festivities of that day under the
auspices of the Associação dos Macaenses (ADM), one of five
organizations of Portuguese affiliation which plan to relaunch it. It will be with music, savories, traditional games, raffles, and much liveliness that the ADM, the Associação Promotora da Instrução dos Macaenses (APIM), the Associação dos Aposentados de Macau (APOMAC), Casa de Portugal and the Instituto Internacional de Macau (IIUM) intend to mark June 24, the day in 1622, 385 years ago, that the attempted invasion of Macau by the Dutch was frustrated, the same day too that Dia de São João Baptista (St. John the Baptist Day) is celebrated. The main purpose of celebrating Dia da Cidade de Macau, according to the organizers, is to revive a day that is very important in the history of the territory and to provide an opportunity for the communities of Macau to get together. There always has been a desire to reanimate certain traditions, said Senna Fernandes, referring to the case of the Carnaval which returned to being commemorated this year. More than having a successful festive occasion, what is important is not to lose sight of the significance of things, he said. Uniting people is the motive because it is important that people are not left to feel alone, he added, concluding that the Macanese community cannot be left without identity. Senna Fernandes denied that this would be an affront to the Chinese authorities. There are traditions that must be respected, commencing with us, he said. What sense would it make for the RAEM to support something that we ourselves do not celebrate? Miguel Senna Fernandes has been one of the most active promoters of Macanese culture and the local dialect, patuá. (The foregoing is a synopsis of an article by Emanuel Graça in the June 22, 2007, edition of Jornal Tribuna de Macau. See also article dated May 9, 2007, in the Culture & Tradition page on Dia de São João. – Ed.) ---o0o---
Diaspora Macaense Support for China/Lusofono Trade Press Release dated October 17, 2006, by the Secretariado Permanente do Fórum para a Cooperação Económica e Comercial entre a China e os Países de Língua Portuguesa: Following its participation in the second ministerial conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (Macau), a delegation of the business associations of the Macaenses of the diaspora had a meeting with the Secretary for Economy and Finances of the Região Administrativa Especial de Macau (RAEM), Dr. Francis Tam on the 16th of October, 2006.
L-R José Manuel Rodrigues, Herculano Airosa, Dr. Francis Tam, Júlio Branco, Dra. Rita dos Santos, Henrique Manhão Jr., António Amante Accompanied by the Director Coordinator of the RAEM Supporting Office to the Permanent Secretary of the Forum, Dra Rita Santos, and headed by the President of the Permanent Council for the Macaense Communities, Dr. José Manuel Rodrigues, the delegation included also Herculano Airosa and Júlio Branco (São Paulo, Brasil), Henrique Manhão (California, USA) and António Amante (Vancouver, Canada). In the conversational exchange maintained with the Economic and Financial Secretary, the Macaense businessmen of the diaspora expressed their admiration for the economic evolution of the Territory in recent years, having manifested their pledge to publicize to the communities of Macaenses abroad, namely through the business associations which they represent, the role that Macau has come increasingly to assume, as the platform for economic and commercial relations between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. On the other hand, the said businessmen presented to Secretary Francis Tam the idea of constituting a federation of the different business associations of the Macaenses of the diaspora, with a view to future participation in the Feira Internacional de Macau (International Fair of Macau) or even in the activities at the level of the Forum. ---o0o---
Business Role Added for the Casas The preliminary meeting of the next [2007] Encontro das Comunidades Macaenses is scheduled for the last week of November [2006], the President of the Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses confirmed yesterday [June 15, 2006] to Jornal Tribuna de Macau. According to José Manuel Rodrigues, Fundação Macau has made financial support available for the preparatory meeting to take place, which would ease the work of the organization. For Rodrigues, this meeting, the details of which were also discussed yesterday with the officers of the Lusitano Club of Hong Kong, will have the special aspect of permitting the gathering together for the first time of the representatives of the Casas de Macau and the various Macaense business associations which are in their formation phase. (Free translation of an excerpt from Jornal Tribuna de Macau dated June 16, 2006 – Ed.)
Bishop of Hong Kong Elevated to Cardinal
Joseph Cardinal Zen was born January 13, 1932, in Shanghai, was ordained a priest in 1961, and became Bishop of Hong Kong in 2002. He will remain in Hong Kong or be posted to the Vatican. He will celebrate his first Mass as Cardinal on March 30 in Hong Kong. ---o0o---
Macaense Community Praised by Chinese Foreign Trade Commissioner The Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Trade in Macau praised the role played by the Macaense community in the progress of the Região Administrativa Especial de Macau (RAEM), during a meeting with a delegation from the Associação Promotora da Instrução dos Macaenses (APIM)
Commissioner Wan Yongxiang highlighted “the importance of the Macaense com-munity in RAEM, especially those born and living in Macau,” coexisting harmoniously with other communities, confronting and adapting themselves to the different changes in Macau, noted APIM in reference to a meeting convened to present compliments and felicitations on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. Subsequent to the transfer of sovereignty, a larger part of the Macaenses continued to adopt Macau as their homeland, contributing to the success of the principle, “one country, two systems,” emphasized the Commissioner, who was pleased also with the support extended by APIM to the Casas de Macau scattered around the world, “having in mind the importance of creating associations of Macaense businessmen to develop economic cooperation between Macau and the respective countries.” Referring to Escola Portuguesa, Wan Yongxiang stressed the importance of introducing teaching of the Chinese language in curriculum plans, in the perspective of integrating future generations of Macaense residents into the development of society in the RAEM. Led by the President of the Board of Directors, José Manuel de Oliveira Rodrigues, the APIM delegation took the opportunity the meeting presented to express its gratitude relative to the “care and attention” given to the Macaense communities and to the help extended by the Commissioner in activities developed by APIM. (Translated from a Jornal Tribuna de Macau article dated February 20, 2006. – Ed.) ---o0o---
Televising Macau Live In commemoration of the Sixth Anniversary of the establishment of the Região Administrativa Especial de Macau (RAEM), Macau will be shown to the world in real time on the television network EarthTV to a potential audience of more than a billion viewers.
The site chosen to locate the remote control camera is the emblematic area of the Ruínas de São Paulo, one of the architectural structures of the Centro Histórico de Macau, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage in July 2005. The camera will transmit images of the Ruínas de São Paulo 24 hours a day, as of December 23, 2005, on the initiative of the Direcção dos Serviços de Turismo (DST). “We are very happy with the fact of EarthTV bringing Macau live to viewers and tourists in the outside world. While a tourist destination, Macau is a unique mixture of East and West, of the old and the new, and we want to share that experience as amply as possible,” said the Director of DST, João Manuel Costa Antunes, commenting on their new bet to promote the territory. (Excerpted from a Jornal Tribuna de Macau article dated December 23, 2005. – Ed.)
Importance of the Macanese Highlighted “The Macanese are important to the development of society in Macau,” said the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Florinda Chan, during the Christmas Party hosted by the Associação dos Macaenses. The party was also highlighted by the presence of the Consul General of Portugal, Pedro Moitinho de Almeida and the lawyer and author Henrique Senna Fernandes, who attended the party in which over five hundred members of the Associação participated. (The above is a free translation of an article in Jornal Tribuna de Macau dated December 12, 2005) ---o0o---
Fundação Macau Provides Refurbishing Funds
Fundação Macau has made feasible the work of refurbishing and fitting out
the building in which will be located the Macau Cultural Center of
California, the Director-Treasurer of Casa de Macau (USA) revealed to
Jornal Tribuna de Macau. That decision was communicated to Henrique Manhão by José Manuel de Oliveira Rodrigues, President of the Conselho Permanente do Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses and of Associação Promotora da Instrução dos Macaenses (APIM) in the course of a meeting on November 25. Fundamentally addressed were subjects relating to the recent formation of the Associação de Comerciantes Macaenses na Califórnia [Association of Macanese Businessmen in California] and the role to be played by Casa de Macau as “ambassador”of the RAEM (Região Administrativa Especial de Macau) in the area of tourism. However, José Manuel Rodrigues took advantage of the occasion to advise that the petition signed by the Presidents of UMA, California [Lusitano] Club of California, and Casa de Macau (USA) Inc., addressed to Chief Executive, Edmund Ho, soliciting additional funds for the Macau Cultural Center in California had been approved by Fundação Macau. To Jornal Tribuna de Macau, Henrique Manhão clarified that “after six years of frustrations, the Macanese associations of California had presented the problem to the President of APIM and of Conselho Permanente do Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses on the occasion of the latter’s visit to California in July 2005, and to resolve the impasse, José Manuel de Oliveira Rodrigues had promised he would present the case personally to the Chief Executive of the RAEM.” According to the Director-Treasurer of Casa de Macau (USA) Inc., “thanks to his intervention and diligences the additional funds were obtained, which leaves us very happy.” He pointed out that the building in which the future Macau Cultural Center would function was acquired for approximately eleven million [Macau] patacas. The cost of renovation and fitting it out will amount to four million patacas. He stated that the new Macau Cultural Center of California would be situate in the city of Fremont in a commercial complex. At the request of the municipal authorities of that city, part of the ground floor will be leased to a typically European restaurant. The first [middle] floor of the building is reserved for the offices of the Associação dos Comerciantes Macaenses da Califórnia and for the Centro de Informação de Turismo da RAEM. (The above is a free translation of an article in Jornal Tribuna de Macau dated November 28, 2005. – Ed.)
---o0o---
Casas de Macau Worldwide to Promote Macau
The representatives of
the Casas de Macau were received yesterday by Chief Executive Edmund Ho
who, according to the President of the Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses
(CCM), José Manuel Rodrigues, came to reinforce the position of the
Government with the Macanese associations of the diaspora. The role of the Casas de Macau will even be reinforced in the short term. In a meeting which joined the Direcção dos Serviços de Turismo (DST) and about 20 representatives of eleven Casas de Macau established in Hong Kong, Australia, Portugal, Brazil, the United States and Canada, the director of Serviços de Turismo, Costa Antunes, affirmed that the department is pledged to establish a linking mechanism with the Macanese associations worldwide, with the intention of promoting the Territory. During the meeting, Costa Antunes said that the Casas de Macau, as an organized group with a network of contacts and unequalled information on the countries and territories which host them, have a unique role to play in the marketing of the name of Macau abroad. Thus, the director of the DST indicated that the Casas in the diaspora and the Serviços de Turismo can create in the future a linking mechanism, in coordination with the various representatives of Turismo de Macau overseas, to collaborate in the job of promoting Macau. Out of the meeting came agreement that the Casas de Macau will send material on the structure of the associations and plans for the promotion of the Territory which should arrive in the next month and which will be analyzed by the DST. Just as the President of the CCM said to Jornal Tribuna de Macau, this was the desire of long ago of the Casas de Macau which, to that end, have come to recognize “the work of the Casas in the marketing of Macau overseas.” Thus, at the meeting, various directors of the Macanese diaspora displayed enthusiasm in future cooperation with the DST, having questioned Costa Antunes over the manner of future cooperation and, at the same time, noting the strong potential and commitment which they have to promote the name of Macau in the countries and territories in which they operate. The meeting between the management of Serviços de Turismo and the directors of the Casas de Macau was opened with an exposition on the structure, activities and strategy of the DST presented by subdirector Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. (The above is a free translation of an article appearing in Jornal Tribuna de Macau dated November 5, 2005 - Ed.) ---o0o---
Casa Leaders in Macau to Meet with CCM President The Conselho Permanente of the Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses (CCM) met yesterday to approve the budget and program of activities for the year 2006. Tomorrow the General Assembly takes place, a meeting in which the President of the CCM, José Manuel Rodrigues, hopes for the ratification of the budget and plan of activities which were approved in the meeting of the Conselho Permanente, since a possible plan is more than an ambitious one. As regards the meeting which took place yesterday, José Manuel Rodrigues stressed that the entire process proceeded normally and that the budget and plan of activities projects for 2006 were approved.
There is a widened consensus among all the Casas, with a clear idea of the difficulties which exist and a sentiment of wanting to resolve the problems, the President of CCM said to JTM, adding that “fundamentally, we have to have a sentiment of unity among all the members of the Conselho, to overcome the difficulties that arise. As regards the remainder of the work accomplished by the CCM, José Manuel Rodrigues emphasizes that the actuation of the organization still awaits putting the internal structure in order. The Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses, from its inception to the present date, had no visible activities, because it was a period in which was seen the raising of concerns by the Casas de Macau worldwide, in which solutions were sought, and in which was prepared a budget which was submitted for study and approval on the part of the Executive of the RAEM. We limited ourselves practicably to creating internal structures of operation, consolidating the form of articulation between the various social organs of the Conselho. Speaking on the plan of activities for 2006, the President of the Conselho Permanente highlighted that the program of the CCM for the next year has various lines of force. One of the principal objectives will be the attempt to put in contact, at the regional level, all the Casas de Macau. In this manner, the Conselho Permanente of the CCM intends that Casas of a determinate region schedule periodic meetings at the regional level as a way to bring together the communities to exchange impressions and experiences, said José Manuel Rodrigues. But the program directives do not stop there. Strengthening the relationship between the various Casas de Macau and the proper entities in the Região Administrativa Especial de Macau (RAEM), increment and create conditions so that the Casas that do not have headquarters may be able to establish their own space, and incentivize the youths of the respective Casas of the diaspora, are others of the essentials defined in the program lines of the CCM According to José Manuel Rodrigues, there is a preoccupation, already ancient, whether it is possible to resolve the situation of the Casas de Macau which do not have their own headquarters, in such a way as to realize their work in active form and in a space adequate for such work. Another situation which needs to be resolved urgently, in the opinion of the President of the CCM, and which is also a preoccupation of the Casas themselves, is a way of guaranteeing a younger structure for a younger generation, which can, one day, take care of the Casas and give continuity to the works and projects of the communities. In essence, it is an attempt to make apparent to the youths that there is a necessity to embrace the social activities and the work that is done for the benefit of the community, explained José Manuel Rodrigues, an opinion that is echoed in the words of the Director-Treasurer of Casa de Macau USA, Henrique Manhão, who holds that the most important thing is to instill in the youths pride in being Macaenses. Projects Well Received – The creation of structures which support the linking of the Casas de Macau to entities established in the RAEM are projects very welcomed by the CCM. In this scheme, there exists a consensus as to the necessity of stimulating the creation of commercial type associations, according to José Manuel Rodrigues, who gives as examples the association formed in Brazil, through the Macaense businessmen of São Paulo and, more recently, the association created by Macaenses resident and established in California. For the President of the Association of Macanese Businessmen in California, Nuno Prata da Cruz, the Executive should take advantage of the human resources which are beyond the borders of the RAEM and which were established overseas many years ago. As to what he said with respect to the actuation of the association over which he presides, Nuno Prata da Cruz related that the principal objective is to support Macau and create bilateral relationships between the businessmen of the diaspora and those resident in the RAEM. In a second phase, Nuno Prata da Cruz emphasized that the commercial associations created in different countries will attempt to reach a basis of understanding to, in the future, possibly create a Federation. The implementation of an Association of Macaense Businessmen in California also is a form of strengthening the links with the Portuguese community present in the region. One third of the dairy industry of California is in the hands of the Portuguese and that is a specific market which receives us very well as soon as they hear us also speak Portuguese. We want to establish a link between that community of businessmen and the RAEM proper, said Nuno Prata da Cruz. Too, the President of the CCM reiterates that this type of entity performs an important function. Not only is it a channel in one direction by which are granted subsidies to the Casas de Macau, but it is to show that we are also interested in collaborating and contributing to the development of the RAEM, in the view of José Manuel Rodrigues, affirming that, in that sense, the group in Sydney is setting in motion a movement to create a similar structure. (The above is a free translation of an article appearing in Jornal Tribuna de Macau dated October 31, 2005 - Ed.) ---o0o---
A Dream Holiday As
reported by Jornal Tribuna de Macau October 24, 2005, and as organized by
APIM, an entourage of 70 persons will head for Portugal November 9 on a
cultural and religious pilgrimage, with Fátima the high point of the tour. The group consists of delegations from Associação Promotora da Instrução dos Macaenses (APIM), Associação dos Aposentados, Pensionistas e Reformados de Macau (APOMAC), Associação dos Macaenses, Santa Casa da Misericórdia, and Lusitano Clube de Hong Kong. The program: November 11 - Inauguration of the Exhibition of the Works of Rigoberto do Rosário Jr in the Expositions of the Economic and Commercial Delegation of Macau-China in Portugal Gallery, which will also be the stage for the presentation of the book “À Mesa da Diáspora” authored by Cecília Jorge and edited by APIM. A reception offered by the Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China in Portugal concludes the first day of the tour. November 12 – Scheduled is a get-together organized by Casa de Macau em Portugal. November 13 – Pilgrimage to Fátima, which will include a religious ceremony, with a reading of a message from the Bishop of the Diocese of Macau, D. José Lai. The return to Lisbon will be via Mealhada where they will lunch at one of the most recognized restaurants in the zona da Bairrada, “Pedro dos Leitões.” November 14 – All-day visits to Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra, ending with a dinner offered by the Delegação Económica e Comercial de Macau-China em Portugal, including a show and fados. November 15 – Visit to the Museu de Macau do Centro Científico e Cultural de Macau and the headquarters of the Sociedade Histórica da Independência de Portugal (SHIP). The APIM will take advantage of the occasion to celebrate a protocol of cooperation with the Fencing Sector of SHIP. Dinner offered by Sociedade de Jogos de Macau at the Casino Estoril. November 16 – An excursion to Alentejo which includes visits to the principal tourist spots in Évora - the Templo de Diana and the Capela dos Ossos will be must see stops – and to the Esporão farm. A dinner offered by APIM at the Casa de Macau em Portugal completes the penultimate day of stay of the delegation on Portuguese territory. November 17 – Return to Macau. ---o0o---
Beijing: Macaenses are “Agents for a Better Future" It was a point of agreement that the Macaense community cannot be disassociated from the RAEM and that it has a role to play in the building of Macau’s future. So affirmed the spokesman for the Macaense delegation which visited the Mainland at the invitation of the Conselho de Estado do Governo Central. On his return to the RAEM, Leonel Alves emphasized to Jornal Tribuna de Macau that Beijing had not only conveyed “its great esteem” for the contribution made by the community but had also encouraged participation by the Macaenses as “agents for a better future.” According to that member of the Conselho Executivo, Beijing will have specified “the preservation and reinforcement of the identity of the RAEM” as one of the principle roles for the community to play. And, taking into consideration the innate capabilities of the Macaenses, to “accelerate the process of internationalization” of the city, especially – but not only – in respect of the interchange between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. The strength of the Macaense diaspora was also another of the matters touched upon since in the actual situation the return of people and interests to the RAEM is foreseen [Emphasis added] The visit of the Macaense delegation was the first of its kind by way of an official start by the Gabinete para os Assuntos de Hong Kong e Macau. The entourage included diverse public figures of the community from politicians, ex-politicians, academia, professionals as well as a few from the higher levels of the Administration. The discussion and exchange of impressions over the actual momentum of rapid economic and social progress that Macau is going through, even though ruled by a “climate of political stability and security,” was omnipresent during the various official contacts, the designated spokesman told Jornal Tribuna de Macau. In addition to the meetings with the Gabinete para os Assuntos de Hong Kong e Macau of the Conselho de Estado do Governo Central, the entourage met with the Associação de Amizade do Povo Chinês e os Países Estrangeiros and with the numerous Associação de Chineses Ultramarinos. Quotes Anabela Ritchie, ex-President of the Legislative Assembly, said the visit exceeded all expectations. She considered that the official invitation translated into recognition of the contribution of the community and confidence in Beijing that Macaenses will give of their best for the future of the Territory. She said contacts between the elements of the community served to strengthen the ties of friendship, discussing the more pressing subjects in the public life of the RAEM, and to collect information on “a China profunda” in frank development. José Manuel Rodrigues, President of APIM spoke of being profoundly touched by the manner with which the delegation was received during its stay, always with all the dignity that a community is worthy of. He said also that the visit came to demonstrate publicly the gratitude of Beijing for the role which the Macaense community has developed, before and after the transition, and recognition of the sacrifices made for the benefit of stability. Leonel Alves spoke of great economic potential and of solid interchange with the RAEM in the areas of touristic promotion and human resources available in elevated number and quality. (Excerpted and translated from an article by Luiz Pereira dated July 11, 2005, in Jornal Tribuna de Macau – Ed.)
Beijing Repeats its Support & Respect for Macaense Community
A complimentary tone was
the dominant note of the various meetings which a
dele- For such, added Manuel Silvério, “we have if possible also to mark our political posture” and consider “with some earnestness” participation in the next legislative elections. According to the President of the Conselho de Administração dos quartos Jogos da Ásia Oriental, during the meetings with the Chinese authorities it was also stressed that the Macaense community “can continue to count on the support of the Central Government,” which recognized and emphasized the contribution given by Macaenses for the development and progress of the Region. The defense of the motto “unity, progress and harmony” was another of the principal messages transmitted to the delegation during contacts established in the Chinese capital, where it was also evident, according to the same official, that the Central Government and the RAEM will maintain the undertaking to honor the stipulation in Article 42 of the Basic Law – to protect the interests of residents of Portuguese ancestry and respect their customs and traditions. Having accomplished the high point of the visit to the Mainland, the delegation will proceed today to Henan, where they will be received by the Municipal authorities and will visit a few tourist spots. (The above is a free translation of an article dated July 5, 2005, by Sérgio Terra in the Jornal Tribuna de Macau. – Ed.) ---o0o---
Donald Tsang Hopeful for Beijing and Vatican Rapprochement The candidate for the leadership of the Government of Hong Kong in the July 10 elections, Donald Tsang, said yesterday (June 3, 2005) he prayed for under-standing between the Vatican and mainland China, and manifested himself hopeful for closer ties between the two States. “I
pray to Almighty God that one day, in the not distant future, bilateral
The Vatican has diplomatic relations with Taiwan, to the detriment of the People’s Republic of China, but strong Catholic convictions in the next leader of Hong Kong could lead to closer bilateral relations. “I prayed today for relations between the Vatican and my country, but we have to accept the fact that there will have to be a process (of drawing together),” stated Tsang, a Catholic and the principal leadership candidate with the support of the Chinese central government to head the former British colony. “I am certain that our Pope and our President will see the enormous advantages to constructing a relationship,” he emphasized during a press conference held at the launching of his candidacy for Chief Executive of Hong Kong. Underscoring that religion is very important in his life, Tsang said that he goes to Mass every day and will continue to do so, whether in Hong Kong or in mainland China, where he will practice his religion without any “restrictions.” Excerpted and translated from an article in the June 4, 2005 edition of Jornal Tribuna de Macau. ---o0o---
Teaching Portuguese Electronically Jornal Tribuna de Macau reports that, at a meeting with a delegation of the Conselho Permanente das Comunidades Portuguesas yesterday (March 24, 2005), the Secretário de Estado das Comunidades, António Braga, announced that the Portuguese government plans a different approach to teaching Portuguese abroad so that it reaches all emigrants. The government is preparing plans to complement traditional teaching of Portuguese with uptodate and modern computerized lessons that would involve the emigrant community where it resides. According to JTM, António Braga explained that the computerized lessons will be available by direct link via the Internet to an interactive data base or by distribution of software. The computerized instruction will also be complementary with the education system of the receiving countries, with associated local activities, and with financing by the Portuguese state. The new Secretary, who is responsible for the Emigration portfolio, gave assurances also that the teaching of Portuguese abroad is a priority of the government. (The foregoing should be of interest to the Macanese clubs in California who have expressed the desire to conduct Portuguese language lessons for their members. They should contact Mr. Braga. - Ed.)
Tsunami Disaster Photos Courtesy of Jose Miguel Silva, Macau Tourism
India
India
India
Patong
Patong
Sri Lanka
---o0o--- Excerpts from the annual Frank & Vivi Correa Christmas Letter. Singapore, 20th December 2004 Dear Family and Friends, Well hello lah! Here we are in Singapore to spend Christmas with Michael, having visited Meleka (Malacca) this weekend where the Portuguese arrived in 1509 seeking trade with Asia. Our trip here is particularly significant having just visited Macau for the Macaense ‘encontro’, this enclave, where the Correa forebears originated, was established some 100 years later, so it has been a fascinating trip tracing the footprints of Portuguese colonial history. The ‘encontro’ provided a wonderful opportunity to meet old and new compadres, rediscover familiar landmarks, a ride to the top of the new Macau Tower providing a spectacular panorama of skyscrapers with some 21 casinos planned to entice visitors to the new Las Vegas of the East. Caution and calories went out of the window as delegates were feted with Chinese and Macaense banquets. We discovered old haunts and new - local Portuguese restaurants serving familiar favourites – casquinas, macau sole, bacalhau served in a 100 ways, tacho, balichang-tamarindo pork to die for, Galinha a Cafreal, and oh la la the piece de resistance being delectable Portuguese tarts still hot from the bakery. Treasured snippets include a pedicab ride along the praya still lined with old banyan trees, Mass at Santa Domingo, our last night we attended a hilarious play rendered in a dialog of Portuguese patois, Cantonese and English aieyah! We are truly ‘rojak’ to use a Singaporean term for salad mix! The ‘encontro’ adjourned to Hong Kong with events at Club Lusitano and Recreio, more ‘jantas’ including a fabulous dinner held at Noreen Sousa’s, Hong Kong’s own Nigella Lawson. Staying with Rebecca and Anthony on the island, we venture forth to explore our old hometown, resplendent with Christmas lights, a shopaholic’s paradise gone berserk with yuletide. Its energy and constant change is amazing – as we cross on the faithful Star Ferry, the trip seems shorter, and the phallic IFC Tower built on newly reclaimed land now dominates HK’s waterfront. We are pleased to discover familiar shops and landmarks including our old favourite Spring Deer Shanghainese restaurant on Mody Road - that’s going back 40 years! A stunning walk near Plover Cove in the New Territories with cousin ‘Tensing’ Kim provided a snapshot of a different city. The Parks administration maintain endless treks of graduating scale which locals can explore, a big plug being that most trails are very accessible. No visit to Hong Kong is complete without the three ‘F’s which for the uninitiated is ‘Family Food at the Fenton’s’, a Tuesday night ritual of fun and nostalgia at 114 Waterloo Road with optional mahjong (………) OK lah, we sign off wishing you and your loved ones a very special Christmas and may 2005 bring good health, success in new endeavour and may the spirit of Christmas herald peace in our hearts and in our fractured world. Abracos and saudades Vivi and Frank
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Some photos and quotes, courtesy of Jornal Tribuna de Macau, during Encontro 2004
Guest of Honor, First Lady Maria José Ritta, wife of the President of Portugal, was unable to attend being under doctor’s orders to rest, and was represented by her ADC, Comandante Nuno Bragança (the man in the center photo with his hand to his chin) and their son, André.
---o0o---
CEO Edmund Ho at the official opening ceremony: Nestes quase cinco anos desde o estabelecimento da RAEM, os Macaenses, tal como outros que escolheram Macau para sua terra, desempenharam com grande mérito o seu papel de protagonistas do progresso de Macau, contribuindo com a sua sabedoria e labor para a realização da causa “Macau governado pelas suas gentes” e a concretização do princípio “um país, dois sistemas” nesta fase da sua História. A todos os Macaenses que tanto deram pela sua terra, quero deixar aqui expressos os meus sinceros agradecimentos. ---o0o---
Jose Manuel Rodrigues at the official opening ceremony: Iniciou-se o segundo Encontro das Comunidades Macaenses sob os auspícios da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau. É com imensa satisfação que se verifica tão significativa aderência que ultrapassa um milhar de participantes de todo o mundo, prova de entusiástica receptividade ao novo conceito do encontro, consolidando princípios da clarificação duma cultura diferenciada, e abrangente no contexto da nova realidade sócio-cultural de Macau..... Senhor Chefe do Executivo [Edmundo Ho], vossa excelência muito contribuiu para a criação do Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses sob o desígnio de “amar Macau”, pelo que, em nome de todos manifesto a nossa profunda gratidão na esperança de poder continuar a contar com a vossa confiança, compreensão e apoio nos futuros projectos que este novo conselho irá desenvolver em benefício de todos...... ---o0o--- High Mass celebrated at São Domingos Church (top 4 photos). Laying of wreaths at Memorial to the Macaense Diaspora (bottom 4 photos) HOMENAGEM. Num momento solene de homenagem aos macaenses da diáspora, a Comissão Organizadora do Encontro Macau 2004 descerrou (unveiled) uma lápide (memorial stone) de agradecimento a Stanley Ho, Fundação Oriente e Fundação Macau, inscrita no alçado do Monumento das Comunidades.
---o0o--- The Casas and Associações de Macau signing protocols with the Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses and Jornal Tribuna de Macau.
---o0o--- Participation in Encontro 2004 Above Expectations The following are extracts from an interview by Jornal Tribuna de Macau of José Manuel Rodrigues, President of the Comissão Organizadora, which tells of final Encontro 2004 preparations and provides details of the constitution of the Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses. ATTENDANCE Total attendance is expected at close to a thousand persons. This participation en masse, clearly above expectations, is interpreted in the light of the great changes which the Região Administrativa Especial de Macau (RAEM) has undertaken in the last few years. Although Encontro 2004 represents the return of the Casas of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as participants, with a combined total of 105 persons, the biggest total delegation comes from the Casas of the United States (227). However, the individual Casa with the most sign-ups is that of Australia (155), followed by Casa de Macau in Lisbon (126). Of the remaining countries, Portugal aroused the most personal interest in the Encontro, with 18 individual sign-ups. Here is the most recent breakdown: Casa de Macau Inc. – Australia 155 Casa de Macau – Rio de Janeiro 14 Casa de Macau – São Paulo 39 Casa de Macau – Canadá 66 Macao Club (Toronto) Inc. 80 Macau Cultural Assn. Westn Canada 62 Casa de Macau – Vancouver 35 Casa de Macau (USA) Inc. 78 Lusitano Club of California USA 101 UMA (União Macaense Americana) 48 Lusitano Club de Hong Kong 46 Casa de Macau Lisboa 126 Individuals 42 Total 892 The number of enrollments from the Casas this year is more than double that of Encontro 2001, but it was the interest of unattached individuals to participate in Encontro 2004 that most positively surprised the Comissão Organizadora. Also, the great interest demonstrated by the community of ethnic Chinese living abroad in participating in the Encontro was another pleasant surprise for the Comissão Organizadora. The liberalization of gaming, which became a reality with the entry into operation of one of the foreign concessionaries, constituted one of the factors attracting the attendees, but it was not the only one. The economic strength which Macau inspires, and all that that represents at the level of opportunities for business and investment, not disregarding the role of its preferencial platform for the markets of the Portuguese-speaking countries, will have equally exerted their power of persuasion. CONSELHO DAS COMUNIDADES MACAENSES The “trabalhos” of the Encontro start at the Teatro D. Pedro V with the solemn act of constituting the Conselho das Comunidades Macaenses (CCM). José Manuel Rodrigues is of the belief that this organ is the realization, finally, of the old aspiration that the Casas of the diaspora assume a role as ambassadors of Macau. The CCM can legitimately speak with one voice with the different authorities, such as the RAEM government or the Portuguese State, in terms of obtaining the necessary support for the diverse projects which the Casas have articulated. Hereunder are the constituents of the CCM: CASAS DE MACAU Casa
de Macau Inc. (Austrália) ASSOCIAÇÕES LOCAIS
Associação dos Aposentados, Reformados e Pensionistas de Macau (APOMAC) INDIVIDUALIDADES Conselho Geral -
Rui Manuel Silva Gomes do Amaral CONSELHO PERMANENTE - Daniela Ferreira Martins
CONSELHO FISCAL
CONSELHO CONSULTIVO -
José Luís de Sales Marques MEMBROS DESIGNADOS PELA APIM Conselho Geral -
Jorge Alberto da Conceição Hagedorn Rangel Conselho Permanente -
José Manuel de Oliveira Rodrigues (The foregoing was redacted in part from an article dated November 15, 2004, in Jornal Tribuna de Macau, Sérgio Terra and Luis Pereira reporting. – Ed.) ---o0o---
Diaspora Macaense
Important to China Led by the President of the Comissão Organizadora do Encontro das Comunidades Macaenses “Macau 2004,” José Manuel de Oliveira Rodrigues, a delegation of 10 persons yesterday moved the Gabinete de Ligação do Governo Central da RPC and the Comissariado do MNE da RPC to invite respectively the Director, Mr. Pak Chi Kin, and the Comissário Ambassador Man Veng Cheong to participate in the Encontro das Comunidades Macaenses. Both accepted the invitation, wished the Encontro success, and, among other things, pointed out the importance that the RPC attributed and continues to attribute to the Macaenses scattered all over the world [emphasis added – Ed.]. ---o0o---
New Page of Website of Associação dos Macaenses of Macau A Diaspora Macaense na America has been advised by Isabel (Bel) Sousa of Macau of a website she has made for Associação dos Macaenses (ADM). It will be trilingual (Chinese, Portuguese and English) but currently only the Portuguese version is available. The address of ADM is www.admac.org. Of immediate interest to the Diaspora Macaense is the following announcement of a Mahjong Tournament to be held during Encontro 2004. APIM has solicited the collaboration of ADM in the organization of the tournament, to be followed by a dinner in Restaurante Portas do Sol in the Hotel Lisboa, and to take place on December 1, 2004. Caros Amigos Macaenses da Diáspora! Calorosas saudações da Associação dos Macaenses! Como parte de eventos do Encontro dos Macaenses em Novembro/Dezembro de 2004, esta Associação foi solicitada por APIM para colaborar na organização de um Torneio de Majong seguido de um jantar no Restaurante Portas do Sol do Hotel Lisboa, a realizar no dia 1 de Dezembro de 2004. Atempadamente, conseguimos obter da Gerência do Restaurante, 8 mesas de majong para o evento e, obviamente, isso significa que sòmente 32 concorrentes serão admitidos. Com vista à imparcialidade, resolvemos incluir no Torneio 16 participantes da Diápora e 16 de Macau, que serão atendidos na ordem daqueles que chegarem primeiro. Como incentivo, haverá p | |
Members
of the Macanese Diaspora originating out of Hong Kong will be pleased and
proud to learn that the Bishop of Hong Kong, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, was
elevated to Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in a March 24 consistory at the
Vatican. On that day at his investiture at the Vatican he received his
cardinal’s red hat. Over 300 Chinese Catholics from all over the world
joined with the 100 or so Chinese Mainland clerics and nuns now studying
in Rome to witness the creation of the sixth Chinese cardinal. 
Pointing out that the Executive follows closely the activities of the CCM
and the Casas themselves, José Manuel Rodrigues emphasized that “it is
necessary to work in the heart of the Conselho to reconcile the positions
and opinions of all the members.” “The Chief Executive expressed all
possible support for the realization of the measures approved in the
Conselho Geral for the year of 2006,” said the President of the CCM,
adding that “now is the time to work hands-on in order to merit the
confidence which the Government places in the CCM and in the Casas de
Macau,” concluded José Manuel Rodrigues.
gation of Macaenses yesterday held with the officials of the Cabinet
for the Subjects of Hong Kong and 
